EXHIBIT 99.1

SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 29, 1998--Genus, Inc. (OTC,
NASDAQ:GGNS) today announced that the sale of its ion technology product group
to Varian Associates, Inc. has been completed.

Proceeds from this sale are valued at approximately $25 million with additional
payments if certain revenue targets are achieved during the next six months. As
part of this transaction, Varian will assume the lease of Genus' implant
manufacturing facility located in Newburyport, Mass.

"With the completion of the sale to Varian, Genus' business strategy will focus
solely on thin film deposition," commented William W.R. Elder, Genus chairman
and CEO. "The capital raised through this sale will be used to accelerate
ongoing advancements in the Company's product offerings. In addition, these
proceeds will be used to pay existing obligations, including the retirement of
short-term bank debt.

"The Company believes its stronger financial position will help it to weather
the industry downturn while funding the development of several new films. These
films will offer Genus the potential of entering new emerging markets and
broadening its customer base. We believe that Genus' redefined thin films
product strategy and technology roadmap will enhance the Company's thin film
market presence while allowing us to better serve our existing customers with
superior enabling thin film technologies."

Founded in 1982, Genus, Inc. designs, manufactures and markets thin films and
thin film deposition equipment used in the fabrication of advanced semiconductor
devices. The Company's customers include semiconductor manufacturers located
throughout the United States, Europe and the Pacific Rim including Korea, Japan
and Taiwan.

Headquartered in California, Genus' offices are located at 1139 Karlstad Drive,
Sunnyvale, CA 94089; telephone 408/747-7120; fax 408/747-7199. For the most
up-to-date company, product and financial information, visit Genus' web site at
http://www.genus.com.

This release contains forward-looking statements dependent on a number of risks
and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, retrenchment in the
semiconductor industry, general conditions in the Company's industry sector, and
the additional risks and uncertainties detailed under "Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition" contained in the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31,
1997, and the Company's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
March 31, 1998.